Niihama is located on the northern coast of Shikoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea, with the stunning Shikoku Mountain Range to the south.
Known as an industrial hub, it has a rich history that began with the opening of the Besshi Copper Mine in 1691.
Though the mine closed in 1973, many important industrial heritage sites remain.
Every October, the city hosts the impressive Niihama Taiko Festival, an exciting celebration that draws visitors from around Japan and the world.
The Niihama Taiko Festival is one of Shikoku’s most popular events and is held every October.
Known for its massive, Taiko platforms that are covered in carvings of scenes from Japanese history and mythology,the festival showcases bold and energetic displays as teams carry and parade these massive structures through the streets.
Each taiko platform weighs about 3 tons and is lifted by more than 150 members with 4 members atop the beams used to carry the platform through the streets.
The festival is a unique blend of local tradition and artistry, making it a must-see for visitors looking to experience the vibrant culture of Niihama.
The Akagane Museum, Niihama's cultural hub, features a striking copper-clad exterior, symbolizing the city's history with the Besshi Copper Mine.
Inside, you can explore the Niihama Gallery, showcasing local culture, including exhibits on the famous Taiko Festival and a full sized example of the taiko platforms used each October.
The museum also includes a 250-seat theater for performances, such as plays and musical events.
It’s a space for creating, learning, and celebrating Niihama’s rich heritage.
Oshima, located about 1 mile northeast of Niihama City, is known for its historical sites, such as castle ruins and hidden boat shelters.
The island is also famous for the traditional "Toudookuri" ceremony, which has been passed down since the Heian period.
Boys collect New Year’s decorations to build bonfires as tall as 33 feet.
On Japan’s Coming of Age Day (a national holiday in January), these fires are lit, and the remaining embers are used to roast mochi, believed to bring health for the year.
The event is recognized as an important cultural heritage of the city.
Yuragi no Mori Forest Park is located 2,300 to 3,000 feet above sea level, offering stunning views of the Akashi Mountain Range, known for its rugged beauty.
This peaceful getaway features the Auberge Yuragi, a restaurant and lodge that serves meals made from local ingredients, and the Sakuraku Workshop, where visitors can try their hand at woodworking.
The park offers a variety of activities throughout the year, such as Dutch oven cooking, barbecues, drum-can baths, camping, birdcall making, and more, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Niihama's nature fully.
Zanki, a flavorful fried chicken dish, has its roots in a Chinese recipe introduced by workers in Niihama.
Unlike regular Fried Chicken, Zanki is known for its rich, bold taste, achieved by marinating the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger before frying.
The thicker, crispier coating adds to its unique texture, and in some regions, Zanki is served with a sweet and savory sauce.
This deeply marinated, crispy dish stands out as a flavorful highlight of Niihama's local cuisine.
A refreshing and popular local dessert, Niihama's Lemon Cake is made with locally produced "Mandarin Orange Eggs" and "Mandarin Orange Honey."
These special ingredients add richness and moisture to the cake, creating a soft, delicate texture.
Infused with lemon peel from the Seto Inland Sea region and coated with lemon chocolate, the cake offers a perfectly balanced citrus flavor.
"Fuguzaku" is a renowned local dish in Niihama, made from the safe, non-poisonous parts of the pufferfish, including its skin, collagen, and meat.
Carefully prepared by licensed chefs who are trained to remove the toxic parts, this dish is seasoned with green onions, monkfish liver, grated daikon, and ponzu sauce.
It originated at the Hamacho restaurant in Niihama and is now served at various restaurants in the city from October to February.
Explore the best of Niihama's local products, crafted with care and tradition.
Akagane Museum is a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts.
The museum shop offers a selection of artist merchandise and original works, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Sayori is a brand built on the philosophy of empowering women to shine and live boldly.
Specializing in ballet leotards, their mission is to create products that help women feel confident and radiant in all aspects of life.
Sakura Antiques is a gallery and Japanese painting conservation studio located in Niihama City.
Established in 1935, the studio specializes in the restoration and conservation of Buddhist and other artworks on paper or silk, including hanging scrolls, rolled hand scrolls, screens, door panels, and wall paintings.
Oh-Henro is an online shop for a traditional mounting workshop located in Niihama City.
With a history spanning over 88 years, Oh-Henro provides high-quality pilgrimage items for those embarking on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
In addition to serving customers in Japan, Oh-Henro caters to international clients by offering the creation, repair, and restoration of artwork, bringing Japan’s beautiful culture and art to the world.
Gaiya has been a trusted retailer in Niihama City for over 50 years, specializing in sake, food, and cosmetics.
The shop owner personally selects the sake offerings, while the pharmacist wife oversees the cosmetics section.
Gaiya offers face masks from Japan’s top manufacturers, ensuring you experience the renowned quality of products made in Japan.
Founded in 1975, Alpaca is a cozy café and gift shop located in Niihama.
It offers a comfortable space to unwind, while featuring a curated selection of Tobe-yaki pottery, handcrafted pieces from various artisans, and traditional Japanese crafts.
Every item reflects the care and heart of its maker, making it a perfect spot for finding meaningful, unique gifts.
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